Incoming councilwoman Jessica Haire, R-Edgewater, said what might separate the incoming council the most is the members’ experience not the historic numbers.

“For me personally the most interesting part is the variation of experience and different backgrounds we represent,” Haire said. “We have teachers, engineers and attorneys. That is going to be important.”

Haire is joined by five other new members. They will be sworn in Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. They will hold their first meeting the same day at 7 p.m.

The council is charged with giving final approval to the county budget, passing legislation and resolutions that tweak or change county laws. It also sits as the Board of Health and approves major zoning changes with the General Development Plan and the comprehensive zoning ordinance. Those two decisions can shape county development for years.

As the county gets set for a drastic turnover in political power, here are five things to know about Tuesday’s general election and how it...

A Democratic council means it will be easier for incoming county executive Steuart Pittman to implement changes. The Democrat defeated incumbent Republican Steve Schuh Tuesday with 52 percent of the vote.

But a Democratic council is not going to be a rubber stamp for Pittman to do whatever he wants, Lacey said.

“I was mentally prepared to be checking Schuh,” Lacey said. “It will nevertheless be a council that independently checks (the county executive). I’m not going to check my judgment at the door.”

As the lone incumbent on the council, Pruski said he’s offered his experience to incoming council members. They have to hire aides, set up their offices and start their legislative lives.

As for possibly becoming chair, Pruski said he would be open to it, but it was “premature” to have that discussion. The council selects its chair every year with a resolution. Often the majority picks the chair from fellow party members and it is shared each year.

“My experience and leadership would be a benefit with the transition,” Pruski said. “I’m here to help regardless of part. Each of us represent our district but we have got to be responsive to voters.”

Want to get involved?

A new Council offers an opportunity to get involved and learn alongside council members.

Anne Arundel County Council meetings are held at 7 p.m. every other Monday inside the Arundel Center, 44 Calvert Street in Annapolis.

Legislation undergoes a public hearing before it is voted on by council. When a bill is amended it will return, but be pushed back about four weeks before another vote can be cast.

Residents who wish to talk during a public hearing can sign up for the specific bill before the meeting starts. Other comments are made near the beginning of the meeting during the “invitation to the public.” It is here residents can speak about whatever they wish. Speakers are given two minutes before their time is up and asked to summarize.

Key School, an exclusive private school in Annapolis, is at the center of a newly released report that details a history of alleged sexual abuse that went unchecked between the 1970s and early 1990s. The report concluded 10 adults in authority positions engaged in sexual misconduct or inappropriate relationships with at least 16 former students.

Key School, an exclusive private school in Annapolis, is at the center of a newly released report that details a history of alleged sexual abuse that went unchecked between the 1970s and early 1990s. The report concluded 10 adults in authority positions engaged in sexual misconduct or inappropriate relationships with at least 16 former students.

Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action on Gun Violence held a joint press conference at the Maryland House of Delegates Office Building with delegates, survivors and activists to promote gun control legislation this session.

Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action on Gun Violence held a joint press conference at the Maryland House of Delegates Office Building with delegates, survivors and activists to promote gun control legislation this session.